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Journal of the American Dental... Feb 2023
Topics: Humans; Dentists; United States; Black or African American
PubMed: 36566151
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2022.12.001 -
Journal of the American Dental... Oct 2022In the absence of a full spectrum of evidence-based guidelines for the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents, dentists, including periodontists, remain a highly...
BACKGROUND
In the absence of a full spectrum of evidence-based guidelines for the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents, dentists, including periodontists, remain a highly frequent antibiotic prescribing group. With the goal of understanding antibiotic prescribing practices, the authors surveyed a convenience sample of dental practitioners and periodontists to identify differences between the 2 cohorts and assess the factors that affect prescribing practices.
METHODS
An institutional review board-approved 15-item survey was developed to capture antibiotic prescribing practices addressing the main research question, factors affecting systemic antibiotic prescription patterns, and prescription timing. The authors collaborated with the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) for survey dissemination. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Multivariable models were developed to identify antibiotic prescription predictors.
RESULTS
Overall, 32.4% of the participants prescribed systemic antibiotics with scaling and root planing. When comparing the 2 groups, the authors found that 46.4% and 18.7% of the AAP and ADA members, respectively, prescribed systemic antibiotics with scaling and root planing (P = .0001). The authors found a significant difference between the AAP and ADA groups in prescription timing (P = .01). The multivariable model revealed that practitioner sex (P = .03), AAP membership (P = .0001), and years of practitioner experience (P = .04) predicted antibiotic prescription practices. The geographic location, practice setting, and occupation type did not predict antibiotic prescription patterns.
CONCLUSION
The authors found a lack of clarity related to prescription timing, factors determining prescription patterns, and selection of patient population who would benefit more from antibiotics.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
This study confirmed a lack of clarity related to antibiotic prescription patterns in combination with nonsurgical periodontal treatment.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dental Care; Dentists; Humans; Practice Patterns, Dentists'; Prescriptions; Professional Role
PubMed: 36038399
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2022.06.013 -
Community Dental Health Aug 2021The number of persons with disabilities has increased and aged. Although it is important to maintain good oral health to extend healthy life expectancy, it is difficult...
OBJECTIVE
The number of persons with disabilities has increased and aged. Although it is important to maintain good oral health to extend healthy life expectancy, it is difficult for such people. This study aimed to analyze regional disparities in dental care provision systems for disabled people and to propose measures for the establishment of an appropriate system.
BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN
To examine regional disparities in dental care provision systems for persons with disabilities, the number of practicing dentists and dental clinics per 100,000 population, dentists certified by the Japanese Society for Disability and Oral Health, and institutions with certified dentists per 100,000 disabled persons for each prefecture were calculated. The Gini coefficient of each was also calculated to visualize and analyze regional disparities.
RESULT
The Gini coefficients were 0.09 and 0.07 for practicing dentists and dental clinics and 0.32 and 0.28 for the certified dentists and institutions with the certified dentists, respectively. Dental institutions for the disabled abounded in the three metropolitan areas: Tokyo, Aichi, and Osaka, and their density tended to be lower in northern and southern Japan. In prefectures with few such institutions, there was no correlation between the number of institutions and prefectural residents' income, and some prefectures had similar incomes but had many institutions.
CONCLUSION
The distribution of dental care to the disabled is highly uneven in Japan, therefore, a system needs to be established to address this issue.
Topics: Aged; Dental Care; Dentists; Disabled Persons; Humans; Japan; Oral Health
PubMed: 34223715
DOI: 10.1922/CDH_00004Oozawa05 -
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry Jun 2022Computer-aided design (CAD) software can merge the intraoral digital scan with patient photographs or 3-dimensional (3D) facial reconstructions for treatment planning... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Computer-aided design (CAD) software can merge the intraoral digital scan with patient photographs or 3-dimensional (3D) facial reconstructions for treatment planning purposes. However, whether an individual perceives a 3D facial reconstruction as a better self-representation compared with a 2-dimensional (2D) photograph is unclear.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this observational study was to compare self-perception ratings and self-representation preference of the 2D and 3D facial reconstructions among laypersons, dental students, and dentists.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Three populations participated in the study: laypersons, dental students, and dentists (n=20, N=60). Facial and intraoral features were digitized by using facial and intraoral scanners, and a complete-face smile photograph was obtained. Two simulations were performed for each participant: 2D (2D group) and 3D (3D group) reconstructions. In the 2D group, a maxillary digital veneer waxing from the left to the right second premolars was produced without altering the shape, position, or length of the involved teeth. A software program (Dental Systems; 3Shape A/S) was used to merge the maxillary digital waxing with the full-face smile photograph. One image was obtained for each participant. In the 3D group, a dental software program (Matera 2.4; exocad GmbH) was used to merge the intraoral and facial scans. Subsequently, 1 video of a 180-degree rotation of each 3D superimposition was obtained. Participants evaluated both superimpositions on a scale from 1 (least esthetically pleasing) to 6 (most esthetically pleasing). Finally, participants were asked which superimposition they preferred for a potential treatment outcome representation.
RESULTS
All the ratings were esthetically pleasing (median group rating 5 or 6). When analyzed solely for differences across occupation groups, ratings for the 2D representation varied significantly across populations (Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared=13.241, df=2, P=.001), but the ratings for the 3D representation did not exhibit statistically significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared=4.3756, df=2, P=.112). Ordinal logistic regression revealed no significant main effects but a significant effect of the population×image-type interaction on the esthetic rating. All participants felt well-represented in both the 2D and 3D representations. Also, 40% of dentists, 55% of dental students, and 50% of laypersons preferred the 3D reconstructions. Sex and occupation in general had no effect on the ratings. However, students tended to give higher ratings to the 3D representations of themselves.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence based on the current study that 2D and 3D representations were perceived differently, but representation preferences may depend on a person's occupation. When individuals rated 3D visualization higher than 2D visualization, they strongly preferred the 3D visualization for representing the treatment outcome.
Topics: Dentists; Esthetics, Dental; Humans; Self Concept; Smiling; Students, Dental
PubMed: 33541817
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.11.034 -
Dental and Medical Problems 2020Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency that is affecting people across the globe.
BACKGROUND
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency that is affecting people across the globe.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of dental practitioners regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
An online questionnaire was distributed among dentists across the globe using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections: the 1st one contained personal information, whereas the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sections assessed knowledge (11 questions), attitudes (6 questions) and practices (7 questions) of the dentists. The data was subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate linear regression, and Pearson's correlation; 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated and odds ratio (OR) was obtained. The analysis was done using IBM SPSS for Windows, v. 21.0.
RESULTS
The total number of the responses received (860) was divided with regard to various continents (Asia, Americas - North and South, Europe, Africa, and other - Australia and Antarctica). The largest number of dentists came from the Asian continent (264; 30.7%). Most dentists had a degree of MDS (Master of Dental Science) (301; 35.0%), followed by BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) (282; 32.8%) and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) (226; 26.3%). High/Good knowledge and practice scores were observed among 92.7% and 79.5 % of the dentists, respectively. Good knowledge scores were significantly associated with qualifications (p = 0.04) and years of practice (p = 0.02); good practice scores were associated with qualifications only (p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
The dentists were found to have good knowledge and practice scores, which is important to combat COVID-19. They are advised to follow the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in their clinics, and sensitize their staff so that no stone is left unturned in defeating this pandemic.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Dentists; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors
PubMed: 32307930
DOI: 10.17219/dmp/119743 -
American Journal of Orthodontics and... Feb 2022Referrals from general dentists are a significant source of orthodontic patients, but our knowledge of factors guiding referral decisions predates recent marketplace...
INTRODUCTION
Referrals from general dentists are a significant source of orthodontic patients, but our knowledge of factors guiding referral decisions predates recent marketplace trends of direct-to-consumer products and broad digitization. To provide orthodontists with current, nationwide data on referral values and communication preferences, a mixed-methods study was conducted.
METHODS
Semistructured interviews were conducted with practicing general dentists (n = 23), and interviews were analyzed to identify factors important to communication and referrals. Qualitative data provided the foundation to develop and pretest a survey distributed nationally to American Dental Association general dentists through email (n = 373). Survey results were evaluated using bivariate and descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
Although 42% of general dentists provide orthodontics, of those, 68% report insufficient orthodontic training in dental school, and 61% have increased orthodontic care in recent years. General dentists refer to orthodontists for complex cases and growing patients, with the orthodontist's perceived skill and proximity to the patient being important for choosing a specific orthodontic practice. Phone (70%) and email (61%) are the most used interoffice communication methods, with email (40%) and then phone (30%) being the most preferred. The most important aspects of a working relationship were patient satisfaction and final occlusal outcome, whereas the best way to boost referrals was through improving communication.
CONCLUSIONS
Excellent care and patient satisfaction remain primary motivators for referrals from generalists to orthodontists. An improved orthodontic curriculum is needed for general dentists. Good communication with dentists is critical for growing referral streams and enhancing patient care.
Topics: Dental Care; Dentists; Humans; Orthodontics; Orthodontists; Referral and Consultation; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34538711
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2021.07.010 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... Sep 2022Dental loupes are used by dental professionals to improve visual performance, reduce eye strain and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Data on their usage in pediatric...
BACKGROUND
Dental loupes are used by dental professionals to improve visual performance, reduce eye strain and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Data on their usage in pediatric dentistry are scarce.
STUDY DESIGN
We performed a cross-sectional survey to evaluate the approach, knowledge, and frequency of using loupes among 100 general and pediatric dentists.
RESULTS
showed that the use of loupes is significantly more prevalent among general dentists (64.3%) compared to pediatric specialists and residents (35.7%). Among dentists who reported that they do not use loupes, 63.6% were pediatric dentists and residents, and 82.5% were dentists working with children. A significantly higher percentage of dentists who self-reported as loupes users perceived that the loupes afford comfortable and stable posture, confidence while working, and contribute to the detection of tooth decay. A significantly higher percentage of dentists who self-reported as non-users of loupes (compared to loupes users), claimed that they weaken the eyes, require long adjustment, and cause discomfort.
CONCLUSION
Although the use of loupes in general dentistry is becoming more prevalent, there is still a need to raise awareness for this vision aid among pediatric dentists while promoting its advantages, to reap benefits associated with their usage.
Topics: Child; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Lenses; Dentists; Attitude; Posture
PubMed: 36624913
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2022.006 -
Journal of the American Dental... Aug 2020
Topics: Dentists; Humans; Practice Management, Dental
PubMed: 32718479
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.06.010 -
BMC Oral Health Oct 2023There is a notable increase in the usage of social media platforms, especially for health communication, as more clinicians and patients count on this kind of...
BACKGROUND
There is a notable increase in the usage of social media platforms, especially for health communication, as more clinicians and patients count on this kind of technology. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the perception and attitude toward social media (SM) use for professionalism and dental practice promotion among periodontal specialists working in Saudi Arabia (KSA).
METHODS
Electronic surveys were distributed in person or online using WhatsApp, Snapchat or Email from October 2022 until March 2023. The questionnaire was targeting periodontists in KSA, and it consists of three parts: the first part includes sociodemographic and professional data; the second part asks about the daily usage of SM in dental practice; and the third part asks about the periodontist's opinion about SM usage. Descriptive data were presented as numbers and percentages. The association between the demographic variables and the means of periodontists' opinions was tested using Pearson's chi-square test. Any value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
A total of 121 responses were received from the periodontists. Most of the participants were in the 36-45 age group, with a percentage of 40.5%. In terms of gender, males made up 52.9% of the population, while females made up 47.1%, and the majority of the participants were consultants. The most common SM platform used by periodontists for daily using and dental practice promotion was Snapchat (56.2%), followed by Instagram and Twitter (54.5% and 49.6%, respectively). There was a significant difference in proportions among Twitter, Snapchat and TikTok between older and younger periodontists, with a p value < 0.05. There was no significant difference between the gender of the participants and their opinions regarding the usage of SM.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlighted the effectiveness of SM in the promotion of dental practices and the discipline of periodontics, as more clinicians and patients rely on this kind of technology. These online platforms can improve periodontal practice in terms of dental health education, counseling, advertising, and oral health services.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Attitude of Health Personnel; Dentists; Periodontics; Saudi Arabia; Social Media
PubMed: 37807041
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03444-7 -
Journal of the American Dental... Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Dentists; Oral Health; Dental Care
PubMed: 36959008
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.02.006